Nucleic acid probing

Nucleic acid probing is a laboratory technique used to detect specific sequences of DNA or RNA in a sample. It involves using a specially designed piece of genetic material, called a probe, which can bind to the target sequence due to complementary base pairing. By labeling the probe with a detectable marker, such as a fluorescent dye, scientists can identify and visualize the presence of the target nucleic acids. This method is essential in fields like genetics, medicine, and biotechnology for applications such as diagnosing diseases, studying gene expression, and conducting forensic analysis.